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Heat Wave Scorches LA Beaches

Beach-goers didn’t miss the opportunity presented by this week’s spring heat wave, which caused temperatures on the coast to be higher than in desert areas. Kathy Vara reports from Venice Beach for the NBC4 News at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2014. (Published Tuesday, May 13, 2014)

Could Southern California weather get any crazier?

An extreme heat wave is bringing sizzling temperatures to SoCal beaches where temps were expected to rise above those of infamously, hot and dry, Death Valley.

Beachgoers flocking to warm sands could expect a high of 98 in Santa Monica and to the south, a high of 94 in Laguna Beach on Tuesday.

While inland, Death Valley residents could expect cooler temps reaching the low 80s.

IE Dust Storms Threaten Health, Visibility

Unseasonably high temperatures weren’t the only weather conditions creating reason for worry in the Inland Empire: dust storms caused by high winds put residents on edge and even forced the closing of a school on Tuesday. Tony Shin reports from San Jacinto for the NBC4 News at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2014.

(Published Tuesday, May 13, 2014)

The heat along with gusty winds and low humidity have prompted red flag warnings extended through Wednesday night during what could be one of the hottest weeks of the year.

Tuesday's forecast includes a high of 98 degrees for downtown Los Angeles -- again, warmer than the forecast high for parts of Death Valley National Park -- site of the world record for highest air temperature of 134 degrees (July 10, 1913) at Furnace Creek. Temperatures are expected to be in the 90s Tuesday throughout Southern California with triple-digit heat inland and in the valleys Wednesday and Thursday as readings trend about 10 to 20 degrees above normal.

A heat advisory has been issued for parts of Orange County and the Inland Empire through Thursday.

Spring Heat Wave Creates Steamy Day in LA

Traditional ways of staying cool could only do so much for Angelenos enduring summer temperatures in the heart of spring. Gordon Tokumatsu reports from Echo Park for the NBC4 News at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2014.

"It's very important that people take the heat seriously," NBC4 Meteorologist Crystal Egger said. "Avoid strenuous activity outdoors, stay hydrated, check on the elderly and never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle, not even for a minute."

The heat wave is expected to continue through at least Friday. Temperatures are expected to cool into the mid 80s on Saturday and high 70s on Sunday.

Red Flag Weather Preparations

The red flag warning is in effect for the valleys and mountains of Ventura and Los Angeles counties, the San Gabriel Valley, Orange County coastal areas, the Inland Empire and the San Bernardino County and Riverside County mountains. The fire weather warning is expected to expire at 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Wind gusts of up to 50 mph in some areas are expected Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. Winds are expected to be strongest in the morning through the afternoon Tuesday, then diminish and return again Tuesday night through Wednesday morning.

Red Flag Warning Extended

Warmer conditions, gusty winds and low humidity are expected as the red flag warning has been extended through Wednesday evening. Crystal Egger has the forecast for Tuesday, May 13, 2014.

(Published Tuesday, May 13, 2014)

A high wind warning is in effect until 4 p.m. Wednesday for San Bernardino and Riverside counties.